Several names expected for WWE Mae Young Classic

A number of new names are expected to be announced by WWE in the coming days regarding the Mae Young Classic tournament, which films on Thursday and Friday in Orlando.

Prep work on the tournament is currently being done in Orlando.

Among the names not announced yet who are said to be involved are a number of U.S. independent women wrestlers including Shayna Baszler, Rachael Ellering (as Rachael Evers), Santana Garrett (formerly with TNA who has worldwide experience), Renee Michelle (who has done WWE extra work in the past), Barbi Hayden (a former NWA champion), Nicole Savoy
(from Northern California), Mercedes Martinez, Marti Belle (formerly from TNA), and U.K. wrestler Ayesha Ray.

Nixon Newell, who was expected to be in the tournament, won't be able to be in it due to a torn ACL.

The latest that all 32 participants will be confirmed is by Thursday at 6:30 p.m. ET, with WWE broadcasting a "Mae Young Classic Parade of Champions" on Facebook Live to introduce everyone.